No, Marshawn Lynch’s Run Didn't Really Cause an Earthquake

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with his teammates his 67-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marshawn Lynch;Tyler Polumbus;Cameron Morrah;Ben Obomanu

"We looked at the stations nearby and one station in particular just clearly showed the crowd roaring," said John Vidale, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network…

"You would probably be feel it if you were standing outside the stadium," Vidale said. "But it probably didn't travel very far."

You could argue that the Seismic activity caused by Lynch’s run wasn’t exactly a notable ground-shaking, and that it probably registered any time the Qwest Field crowd got mildly excited on Thursday. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that 98% of all memorable sports moments are made even better when we use junk science to reinforce their momentousness.

Did Marshawn Lynch’s run trigger an Earthquake? Well, scientifically, no. But for the sake of legend, let’s just turn that into a YES. It definitely caused the Earth to shake like a tuning fork and at least six nearby mountains collapsed as a result of the cataclysm. I’m told 456 people died from the aftershocks, but that all 456 said it was totally worth dying at that moment, because Lynch’s run was the best they’d ever seen.

So take pride, citizens of Seattle. Your passion for your Seahawks was enough to fundamentally alter the geology of the Pacific Northwest. As far as anyone knows.